From the beginning Black Americans have had to deal with the dual expectations that

were expected of them by the United States. Often there was resistance to allowing blacks to

join the military and when they were allowed they usually drew the most distasteful and

dangerous assignments. In addition they were given a less pay and were still treated as second

class citizens at best. However, despite their troubles African Americans have made great

contributions to our armed forces starting with the Revolutionary War. The Afro-American has

fought for his country to preserve the Union, and he has also fought against his country to gain

the right to fight and for freedom.

The United States its first war for independence despite overwhelming odds. Yet it may

not of been won without the black soldiers in the armies. "The first American to shed blood in

the revolution that freed America from British rule was Crispus Attucks" (Wilkes 24). He along

with four white men were killed in the Boston Massacre of March 5, 1770. Attucks, a fugitive

slave, was protesting against the perceived English occupation of Boston along with other whites

not realizing he would give his life and b

both Blacks and Whites. Because of the close quarters on warships, it was never practical to

acceptance of black troops. He declared all Negroes free that would join his Majesty's troops.

The Americans realized they couldn't afford to deny Black Americans the right to join the army.

soldiers. Yet even though the Afro-American soldiers clearly distinguished themselves as

General Andrew Jackson issued his proclamation "To the Free Colored Inhabitants of

Lake Erie, Captain Perry was "unstinting" in Afro-American praise as men who "seemed

with even the highest positions being within their grasp. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those

was not only integrated as a service, but also was integrated within each ship (Fowler 290).

insensible to danger" (Wilkes 73). The mobilization for New Orleans was particularly significant

tenth of the crews of the fleet on the lake region were African American. Captain Perry, like

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Approximate Word count = 926
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)